Rahn Shi

Illus. by Elsa Kroese

Description
Rahn shi are a feline race of humanoids with superior dexterity. There are different species of this race, and they assume the looks of different felines. Some may look closely related to lions or tigers, while others look more like a panther or jaguar, but some can even appear closer to a house cat. Their bodies are very slender with a slight muscular tone, and they are covered with a soft fur. They have long tails, as well as sharp claws that extend from their furry human-like hands. These claws can be retracted, much like that of any cat. Their head looks very feline as well, and their face bears human features with a cat-like nose and whiskers. They have sharp teeth, furry ears that are perched atop their head, and large cat eyes.

Origin
Originating from the largest island of the Broken Realms, the rahn shi have made their way into every society and city in the world. Ylafist, the largest rahn shi city, is graced with many decorative buildings, and has an almost oriental look to it. It is where the teaching of the ninja was first created and it is home to many that are very skilled in the arts.

History
The rahn shi believe they were created when Lunix (the God of the Moons) and Shyta (the Goddess of Love) had an affair. The two deities attempted to create a race of people that was a combination of what they both wanted. Lunix always had a liking towards cats and the fact that they are easily maintainable. Shyta wanted to create a humanoid race that was capable of feeling a love that is stronger than life itself. Well, the rahn shi were created and the world hasn’t been the same since.

Few dislike rahn shi. In fact, most of the races on Caxtrin enjoy their company. They are always playful and fun to have around, and will try to be a loyal friend if they like you. If only everyone knew that they only stay around for a particular goal or purpose that suits only their needs.

Rahn shi have never been of much use in wars since they do not believe in attacking in grand scale battles. They find it stupid and pointless that so many should die needlessly. Instead, they prefer to attack in secret, sneaking up on an enemy when they least expect it. The few that have actually been in wars did not prove useful anyway since they usually leave or switch sides half way through the battle.

Beliefs
Many rahn shi will put their faith in Lunix or Shyta since they are believed to be the creators of the rahn shi, but will follow any deity that fits their lifestyle. Mynaxia and Ditheria, the Goddesses of Wine and Fertility, are also a favorite among this race. Some rahn shi have even sworn allegiance with Deltayn.

Habits
The rahn shi enjoy deceiving and manipulating others. Their favorite target is a common human. They believe them to be slow, dimwitted, and easily manipulated. There have been many occurrences where a few rahn shi have entered a human town and tricked the whole populace into believing that they must pay money for their protection, all the while the rahn shi robbed them blind.

Their favorite past time is usually smoking on a pipe, or trying different hallucinogenic plants and things of that sort. Even their favorite drink, raykin (blue liquor made by the rahn shi), is a hallucinogen with a bit of a kick.

Rahn shi are very protective over their territories, and will do anything to send away unwanted visitors, especially those of their own race. Not that they dislike other rahn shi, they just don’t want them in their living space.

Abilities
These characters have night vision (can see normally in non-magical darkness).

Rahn shi can Negotiate and sway others opinions if a TRU check is made against someone that already likes them. This will cause these characters to receive a 5% discount in shops when buying or selling items, or possibly to swindle easy money out of an unsuspecting dimwit.

These characters have a fear of being in water, and will usually do everything in their power to stay fully dry.